Artist/Painter Rannaika Chaudhuri: ‘Art Exists Everywhere’

20-year-old Mumbai painter and artist Rannaika Chaudhuri was brought up in a household wherein her mother, a professional artist herself, would provide art classes for students. The young Chaudhuri would sit in on those classes from time to time. She says, “Although sometimes I would not paint but just watching all the different people learning different things from my mother was very inspiring and since a very young age, I knew that art was going to be a big part of my life and personality.”

In this interview with Rolling Stone India, Chaudhuri talks to us about her creative process, her company Rezurrct and her future plans. Read below.

What is your creative process like and how do you usually conceptualize a piece?

Art exists everywhere and you may have heard that a million times, but nothing is more true for my process where I can receive that initial inspiration from anyone and anything in life which then leads to the start of the piece. Small things everywhere, my mood, my feelings, the things around me and the place I am in life leads to the process of creation while building upon that first initial idea. This is not only from my personal thought process but also ideas I get from other people for their concepts and their pieces where the inspiration and what struck them, and what they want is the first step to then building upon it with my own personal artistic touch.

What can you tell me about Rezurrct?

Covid lockdown was a blessing in disguise as it gave me the time to sharpen my artistic skills. While the whole world was on a standstill and no one knew how to spend that time I would be painting 24/7 and eventually decided to capitalize on my talents by starting Rezurrct along with my older sister Robica Chaudhuri, and my mother Swagata Chaudhuri as the backbone. It has been a great starting point for my career and also has helped me evolve as an artist immensely.

What are some of the challenges you face being an artist?

Art block is common but that’s where other people’s ideas come in, Rezurrct allows me to get inspiration from people from all walks of life, how they function, what inspires them and in turn that allows me to further my artistic vision. It has given me an outlet to provide people with a method to bring their creativity to life while also giving me an outlet to sharpen my skills. thus creating a symbiotic relationship where everybody leaves having gained something. A few other hurdles that I have faced as an artist is being scammed, taken advantage of or getting underpaid for my work. I think these are some problems faced by most artists of any form, it’s truly disheartening, but all you can do is keep your head high, know your worth and be aware.

What’s an accomplishment or milestone that stands out for you thus far?

Since I am just 20 and have recently started this endeavor in a professional manner there aren’t that many milestones as such that I can mention but what I can say is each piece of artwork that I finish is an accomplishment in itself. The fact that something that I made with my hands could bring someone happiness or meaning while coloring and beautifying their home is priceless to me. So, to end it I do feel like every piece of art I have made is a real achievement and a milestone to me.

What are you currently working on and what plans do you have within the field going forward?

Currently, I am still studying Bachelor of Fine Art while working on the development and growth of my brand Rez. I am also working on some really exciting workshops and diverse projects to explore the field a bit more. At this point in my life, I would love to sharpen my skills further and focus on projects that have not been done before. Also furthering my brand by possibly adding concepts of digital art. Art has no right or wrong and no specific process to be followed, you just go with the flow and that is exactly how I plan on furthering my artistic career by going with the flow while keeping my ambition to level hundred and I know I will get there. I’m here to take over and be taken over by art.